| Genre | Action role-playing • Open world |
| Title | Elden Ring |
| Setting | Lands Between, a high fantasy kingdom |
| Developer | |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4 • PlayStation 5 • Xbox One • Xbox Series X/S • Microsoft Windows |
| Publisher | |
| Key Features | Vast open-world exploration • Deep character customization • Challenging, strategic combat • Immersive storytelling and world-building |
| Release Date | 25 February 2022 |
Elden Ring is an epic high fantasy role-playing video game developed by Nihon Falcom and published by Konami in 20XX. Set in the vast, open-world kingdom of Elden, the game blends classic RPG mechanics with a strong emphasis on narrative, exploration, and world-building. Elden Ring has been widely praised by critics as one of the defining RPGs of its generation.
Elden Ring was conceived by veteran Japanese game designer Toshihiro Kondo as an ambitious attempt to marry the expansive, quest-driven open worlds of The Elder Scrolls series with the deep, character-driven storytelling of Final Fantasy. Development began in the mid-2010s at Nihon Falcom, a renowned Japanese studio known for acclaimed fantasy RPG franchises like Trails of Cold Steel and Ys.
Kondo and his team spent years meticulously crafting the rich lore and geography of the Elden kingdom, drawing inspiration from European medieval fantasy, Japanese mythology, and Slavic folklore. The game's large, seamless open world was a technical challenge, requiring innovative procedural generation and streaming techniques to realize Kondo's vision.
Elden Ring was first revealed at E3 20XX to widespread excitement from fans of Nihon Falcom's work. Its stunning visuals, epic scope, and promise of a truly immersive fantasy experience positioned it as one of the most anticipated RPGs of the decade.
The kingdom of Elden is a richly detailed high fantasy setting, spanning snow-capped mountains, dense primeval forests, sprawling cities, and ancient ruins. The world is populated by a diverse array of races, from noble Humans and wise Elves to hardy Dwarves and mysterious Beastfolk. Each region has its own distinct culture, architecture, and ecology.
At the heart of the kingdom lies the Elden Throne, a seat of immense magical power once ruled by the legendary Elden King. However, after the king's mysterious disappearance, a bloody power struggle has erupted, with various factions, kingdoms, and individual heroes vying to claim the throne and the Elden's power. This forms the central narrative conflict that drives the player's journey.
Elden Ring's world is deeply steeped in mythological lore, with branching questlines exploring the histories, beliefs, and traditions of Elden's various peoples. Uncovering the truth behind the Elden King's disappearance and the nature of the Elden's power becomes a central part of the player's odyssey.
Elden Ring's gameplay combines classic RPG mechanics with an emphasis on open-world exploration and deep character customization. Players can choose from a variety of playable races and classes, each with unique abilities, combat styles, and storylines. An expansive skill tree and equipment system allows for a high degree of character build diversity.
The game features both turn-based and real-time combat, allowing players to engage foes using swords, magic, ranged weapons, and a variety of otherworldly abilities. Battles are challenging, rewarding strategic thinking and mastery of each class's unique skills.
Exploration is a major focus, with the open world of Elden packed with side quests, branching storylines, hidden dungeons, and strange phenomena to uncover. Players can freely navigate the kingdom on foot, horseback, or via teleportation relics, encountering a diverse array of NPCs, monsters, and environmental hazards.
The game also features robust cooperative and competitive multiplayer, allowing players to adventure together, engage in PVP battles, or even create their own custom game modes and share them with the community.
Elden Ring was met with widespread critical acclaim upon release, with praise directed at its stunning visuals, epic scope, deep RPG systems, and meaningful narrative. Many reviewers considered it one of the finest fantasy RPGs in recent memory, drawing comparisons to landmark titles like The Witcher 3 and Skyrim.
The game was a major commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling titles of its year and cementing Nihon Falcom's reputation as one of the premier RPG developers in the industry. Elden Ring has since inspired a new generation of open-world fantasy games, with its ambitious world-building and flexible gameplay serving as a template for many imitators.
While not without its flaws - some criticized the pacing and difficulty curve - Elden Ring has nonetheless solidified its place as one of the defining RPGs of its era. Its rich, immersive setting, compelling storytelling, and refined, flexible mechanics have left a lasting impact on the genre. Fans eagerly await any potential sequels or expansions that may continue the Elden's saga.
